Nursing

Encephalopathy is a broad medical condition characterized by diffuse brain dysfunction or disease, not due to a focal structural issue. It reflects altered mental status, cognitive changes, and sometimes altered consciousness arising from metabolic, toxic, or infectious insults. The term is used across neurology and critical care to describe various acquired brain disorders.

Endocrine (noun) refers to glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, as opposed to exocrine glands that release substances through ducts. The term also designates the system comprising these glands. It is used in biology and medicine to describe hormonal signaling pathways that regulate metabolism, growth, and homeostasis.

Endoscopy is a medical procedure that uses an endoscope to examine the interior surfaces of an organ or cavity. It involves inserting a flexible or rigid tube with a camera and light to visualize anatomy, obtain biopsies, or treat lesions. The term combines the Latin roots for inside (endo) and view (scopy).

Epiglottis is a small leaf-shaped flap of cartilage located behind the tongue that folds down to cover the windpipe during swallowing, helping to direct food toward the esophagus and away from the airway. It plays a crucial role in protecting respiration and guiding the larynx during swallowing. The term comes from Greek roots and is used in medical contexts and anatomy discussions.

Epistaxis is a medical term for nosebleed. It refers to bleeding from the nose, either spontaneously or due to trauma or underlying conditions. The word is used in clinical contexts and is typically encountered in medical discussions or records.

Esophagitis is the inflammation of the esophagus, often caused by acid reflux, infection, or irritation from medications. It presents with heartburn, chest pain, and trouble swallowing. Diagnosis typically involves endoscopy and treatment targets underlying causes, healing the esophageal lining, and relieving symptoms.

Etiology is the study or investigation of the causes or origins of a disease or condition. In medicine and science, it refers to the root factors responsible for disease development, not just symptoms. It’s a formal term used in academic and clinical contexts to discuss the sources of pathology or events leading to a condition.

Fasciculation is a rapid, involuntary twitching of muscle fibers or a small, localized muscle contraction. It is usually visible under the skin and can occur in various muscles, often as a sign of neuromuscular activity or irritation. The term is most commonly used in medical contexts to describe these spontaneous, fine movements.

Gastroenteritis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the stomach and intestines, commonly caused by infection, producing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It’s a multisystem issue primarily affecting the GI tract, often resulting from viral, bacterial, or parasitic agents. The term is used in clinical, public health, and everyday medical contexts.

Glaucoma is a medical condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that can damage the optic nerve, potentially leading to vision loss. It is typically chronic and requires ongoing monitoring and treatment to prevent progression. The term is used broadly across ophthalmology and patient education, often with emphasis on early detection and management.

Hemangioma is a benign tumor made up of a tangle of small blood vessels. It typically appears as a red or purple lesion on the skin or within organs and is usually present at birth or develops shortly after. Most hemangiomas gradually involute over time, though some may require medical evaluation or intervention depending on location and growth.

Hemodialysis is a medical procedure that filters waste products and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys cannot. It involves circulating blood through a dialyzer, a machine that cleanses it, typically via an access point in the circulatory system. This noun names the process used to treat kidney failure or severe kidney dysfunction.

Hepatic is an adjective relating to the liver. In medical contexts it is used to describe structures, conditions, or procedures involving the liver, such as hepatic tissue, hepatic cirrhosis, or hepatic function tests. It appears in clinical writing and anatomical discussions to specify liver-related aspects.

Hepatomegaly is the medical term for an enlarged liver. It is a noun used in clinical contexts to describe hepatomegaly of varying degrees, often indicating underlying hepatic disease or systemic illness. The word combines two Greek-derived elements and is commonly encountered in medical documentation and discussions of liver pathology.

Hernia is a medical condition in which an organ or tissue protrudes through an opening in the surrounding muscular or connective tissue. It commonly refers to abdominal contents pushing through the abdominal wall, but can involve other sites such as the groin or diaphragm. The term is used across clinical contexts and requires precise pronunciation to avoid miscommunication in medical discussions.

Hypertension is a medical condition characterized by persistently elevated blood pressure. It is a chronic risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke, requiring monitoring and lifestyle or pharmacological management. The term combines

Hypoglycemia is a medical condition characterized by an abnormally low level of blood glucose. It typically presents with symptoms like dizziness, sweating, and confusion, and requires prompt recognition and treatment. The term comes from Greek roots meaning “under” (hypo) and “sweet” (glycemia).

Ileostomy is a surgical procedure creating an opening in the abdomen to divert the small intestine's contents into an external pouch. The term refers to the artificial ostomy (opening) of the ileum. It is a medical noun used in clinical discussions, patient education, and surgical planning, often described in terms of the stoma and its management.

Immunology is a branch of biomedical science that studies the immune system, its structure, function, and disorders. It focuses on how the body defends itself against pathogens, and how vaccines, therapies, and various immune processes maintain health. The field integrates biology, chemistry, and medicine to understand immunity at the cellular and molecular levels.

Infarction is a medical condition where tissue death occurs due to an interruption in blood supply, commonly due to a blocked artery. It typically refers to heart (myocardial infarction) or brain (cerebral infarction) tissue, and has serious acute implications requiring urgent care. The term is used in clinical contexts and medical literature rather than everyday conversation.

Inflammation is a biological response to injury or illness, characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain. It involves immune system activity that helps isolate and heal damaged tissue. In medical contexts, it describes a localized or systemic process that can indicate infection, irritation, or tissue damage.

Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by persistent difficulties falling or staying asleep. It can be acute or chronic and may involve trouble with sleep initiation, duration, or quality, leading to daytime fatigue and impaired functioning. The term emphasizes inability to obtain adequate rest despite opportunities to sleep.

Intravenous is an adjective describing administration into a vein, typically via a needle or catheter. It denotes substances delivered directly into the bloodstream for rapid effect. In medical contexts, intravenous treatment contrasts with oral or intramuscular routes, emphasizing speed and systemic distribution.

Ischemia is a medical condition characterized by insufficient blood flow to an organ or tissue, resulting in reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery. It typically occurs due to narrowed or blocked arteries and can lead to tissue damage if not promptly addressed. The term is used across clinical contexts, especially cardiovascular and cerebral ischemia, where timely intervention is crucial.